Daryl Horgan Wins SSE Airtricity/Soccer Writers Player of the Month Award

Dundalk captain Daryl Horgan has been named the SSE Airtricity/Soccer Writers Ireland Player of the Month for May.

The Galway native contributed four goals and two assists during the month to claim his second nomination of the season, continuing an impressive campaign for Ciarán Kilduff's side, who sit fourth in the table.

Horgan, who recently signed a two-year contract extension with the club, says the squad's focus is now on maintaining their momentum. "We had a good squad from the get-go and now you're looking at points you've left behind, which again is a good thing. We don't want to be a team who has a good start and falls away — we want to keep going."

The 34-year-old, who won 17 senior caps for the Republic of Ireland, says he thrives in the captaincy role. "I really enjoy it. I think I revel in it — wearing the armband gives you more leeway, more leadership, and you have more of a say. It's special for me to represent Dundalk FC as club captain."

Horgan is also involved in coaching the club's Under-17 academy and is completing his UEFA 'A' licence with the FAI, with an eye on management further down the line. "I think I'll go down the management route when I retire, but that's down the road a bit. I love the coaching side of it and I like to bring the best out of players and people."